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UNIT 4: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
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Monitoring must be conducted over a long period to enable a range of data to
be collected. A single monitoring attempt will not give a correct estimate of air
quality, for pollution levels will vary at different times of the day and year, being
influenced by weather conditions, activity levels and the air quality of the outside
environment.
Whether or not monitoring is undertaken, efforts to improve indoor air quality are
best begun by reducing the following emissions:
• Carbon monoxide arising from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels;
• Carbon dioxide arising from combustion and exhalation;
• Humidity arising from human activity;
• Over- or under-ventilation;
• Ozone drawn in from outside and as secondary emissions from;
fluorescent lights and photocopiers;
• Nitrous oxides from gas burner stoves;
• Tobacco smoke.
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Good Housekeeping and Maintenance Options for
Maintaining Indoor Air Quality
The first step is to regulate the changeover of air according to the number of
occupants, concentration of pollutants in the air, level of activity and climate
conditions. In a typical hotel in a moderate climate one change of air per hour is
suitable for bedrooms, 5 per hour for offices, reception and lobby, and up to 20 per
hour in kitchens, laundries and garages.
Exterior sections of the ventilating system should be kept clean and free of
obstructions to airflow. This is vital to ensure that stale air does not re-circulate
back into the ventilation system. Boilers, stoves and generators should be kept in
good repair and vents and filters should be cleaned regularly. Filter replacement
should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Retrofit Options for Maintaining Indoor Air Quality
• In hot climates, a ceiling fan and an open window are less energyintensive
options than air conditioning;
• For buildings with no central ventilation system, window or wall type
room air-conditioning units can be fitted on external windows or on
wall areas where increased ventilation is required;
• Low-VOC paints, adhesives and varnishes should be used when
redecorating. Formaldehyde building insulation should be avoided;
• If the building contains asbestos, specialist advice is essential.
Asbestos releases fibres into the surrounding air, and if inhaled, this
can be carcinogenic. If the fibres have deteriorated or are damaged,
they must be removed or encapsulated and the affected part of the
building must be evacuated until this has been done.
Longer-Term Options for Maintaining Indoor Air Quality
Employee and guest complaints about indoor air quality can be recorded and
studied over time to identify regular patterns or sources. For example, if more
complaints come from people spending time in newly decorated areas, it could
mean a problem with VOC emissions from building materials. If employees working